Board approves Safe and Civil Schools training for middle school staff after clarification about 'targeted' designation

The board on April 13 approved purchase of professional development services from Safe and Civil Schools for middle‑school teachers and administrators at a cost of $6,000 plus travel expenses, to be delivered in June under a grant that funds targeted schools.

Ms. Denny said the training supports interventions for underperforming student subgroups and is aligned with state‑approved providers. A board member expressed concern that the term “targeted” could be misread as meaning the school is unsafe; Denny clarified the Iowa School Performance Profile designates schools as "targeted" when certain subgroups underperform and that the training focuses on interventions, not safety procedures. The motion to approve the purchase passed 6-0.

Why it matters: The training is intended to support teachers and administrators working with students who need early interventions; the clarification aims to prevent misunderstanding among families about school safety.